City of Cranbrook

Cranbrook is the largest city in Kootenay Rockies, located 30 km / 19 mi south of Kimberley. It was established over a century ago with the arrival of the Crowsnest Railway. To learn more about the history of the area, see the Cranbrook History Centre and the Fore Steele Heritage Town. For more information on what’s happening in the city, call 1-800-728-2728 .

Highlights

St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino boasts an 18-hole golf course and is the only casino in the Kootenays. Far from its roots as a residential school for First Nations youth, the resort is now owned by the Ktunaxa people. The Interpretive Centre showcases the history of the First Nations with stories, artifacts and handcrafts. While at the resort, relax at the spa, have fun with the activity packages and dine at the Smokehouse. To learn more, call the resort at 1-866-292-2020, or the Interpretive Centre at 1-250-417-4001.

Fort Steele Heritage Town is a “living history museum” that recreates pioneer life during the late 1800s when the town was known for gold, railway work and lumber. See the blacksmith and gold panner in action and enjoy plays at the Wild Horse Theatre. Take a ride on the steam train or a horse drawn wagon. Learn about history and conservation with their events and programs. Activities change with the season. Find out what’s going on by calling 1-250-426-7352.

The Cranbrook History Centre showcases restored historic train cars in the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel. They also have regular programs and events for the whole family. The beautiful Royal Alexandra Hall, est. 1906, can be rented for events. For more information, call 1-250-489-3918.

The Kootenay Trout Hatchery has displays, a kids’ fishing pond and a moat with trophy-size trout. The hatchery is open year-round and holds guided tours and activities from May to August. For more information, call 1-250-429-3214.

There are more than 40 km of paved cycling trails including the North Star Trail, an old rail line that connects Cranbrook and Kimberley.